Carpinteria, Calif.-based turbine manufacturer Clipper Windpower PLC has created a Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind in Blyth, U.K., to develop the world's largest offshore wind turbine at 7.5 MW. The development project, known as the Britannia Project, will build upon the architecture and technology of Clipper's Liberty 2.5 MW turbine, the company says.

Clipper plans to enlist the services and test facilities of the Blyth-based New and Renewable Energy Centre in this project. The One NorthEast regional development agency in northeast England has agreed to provide a support package for engineering and a test laboratory, including its wind turbine blade testing facilities.

Engineering for the project will be shared between Clipper's Advanced Technology Group, based in Carpinteria, Calif., and Clipper operations in Blyth, according to Clipper. Funding provided by One NorthEast will support the development of Clipper's wind turbine supply chain and related manufacturing facilities.